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Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email Following is report from Malaysiakini on the HINDRAF-organised Father’s Day gathering at Istana Negara today. Earlier, it was reported that YB Manikavasagam and YB Sivarasa were among the 6 people arrested at the gathering.
Interestingly, Ronnie Liu ACCEPTED the bear on behalf (of the KING?). I’m not sure who he is representing, definitely not the King.
I think Hindraf have to look beyond flowers, teddy bears and other gifts, as it may be shunned if seemed to be not effective. There should be some brainstorming session to ensure it gets continuous support from the Makkal. Makkal will forget the suffering and sacrifices of the Hindraf 5 if not constantly reminded, but there should be variety of ways to maintain the momentum. Perhaps some sort of branding and merchandising strategy – T-shirts, caps, car stickers, badges could be created. They can get support in the Pakatan states, so that’s a good starting point.
The intention of 48 children of ISA detainees to present Father’s Day gift of teddy bears to the Agong was dampened by the police and a no-show from palace representatives.
Chanting “Daulat Tuanku”, the children carrying teddy bear bouquets accompanied by about 30 adults were stopped from approaching the palace by police who formed a barricade 500 meters from the palace gates at around 10.40 this morning.
Policemen, already alert after an earlier arrest of three opposition parliamentarians, were quick to gather around the crowd. A senior police officer approached event leaders who were Hindraf leaders – RS Thananenthiran (national coordinator), S Jayathas (national information coordinator) and A Vathemurthy (Perak state coordinator) – requesting that the crowd to disperse immediately.
Thananenthiran then shouted that “We are Malaysian citizens who would like to present a gift to the father of all Malaysians.”
There were continuous pleas from the crowd which argued that as Malaysian citizens they should have the right to gather in front of the palace without a permit. “Tourists are allowed to gather and present gifts, so why can’t we? This must be changed. We have all the right to rally peacefully,” said Vathemurthy.
The heat under the strong sun caused some of the children – from five to 15 years of age – to begin crying in discomfort.
Thananenthiran then asked the police to be compassionate with the children. The police officer fired back that although he loved children, they were being only being ‘utilised’ by Hindraf leaders. » Read more: Fathers Day at Istana Negara
